Plastics are used at one flexible packaging facility

Alcan has announced plans to close two operations in the UK, including a packaging plant using plastic film and other materials. The Canadian-French group has started consultations with unions and employee representatives at its Workington aluminium extrusion plant and its flexible packaging plant in Midsomer Norton. The latter makes packaging, including crisp packets, for the snack industry.

The Midsomer Norton site is expected to close by the end of 2006 which will result in all 218 employees being made redundant. Alcan said: “The plant has been adversely affected by a declining demand in the UK [snack] market and high raw material costs.” The UK snack market will now be served by Alcan’s factories in France. Alcan acquired another flexible major, Pechiney, in 2004.

Jean-Christophe Deslarzes, senior vice president of human resources at Alcan, said: “After thoroughly exploring and examining various alternatives, this proposed reorganisation represents the most viable solution to ensure the long-term competitiveness of Alcan’s European assets.”